So, I've been lurking for a few months and I like what I've seen and decided to join. I'm in my early 30's, married, and for the last 2 years have dived headfirst into whisk(e)ys like crazy. I'm actually more of a scotch fan but after some recent work trips to Kentucky I've started to develop a pallet for bourbon, but really only certain types. I'm not really much of a mixer, I do occasionally make a Manhattan, but for the most part I'm a straight whiskey drinker. I prefer small amounts (1oz) as there are times I almost love nosing more than actually tasting though occasionally I do go for larger pours. I'm blessed with a wife who also loves whiskey though when it comes to scotches she is more a fan of the peaty varieties than I am... I know! I'm fairly familiar with the distillation and aging process in general and used to consider myself among the better learned people when it comes to scotch (and to a lesser extent, bourbon and Irish) though as I learn more it only shows me how little I really do know. I've had opportunities to attend several local tastings and even got to go to the Single Malt Scotch & Whisky Extravaganza here in Seattle and had a blast. During my recent time in Kentucky I was able to do some tasting at Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Jim Beam, and Heaven Hills and had a blast at each

As for my specific tastes I tend to prefer sweeter scotchs, the Balvenie 21 year, Glenfiddich 15 year, Glenmorangie 10 year, and Yamazaki 12 year (I know, not a scotch) are some of my favorites. For bourbons I tend to go for the higher proof single barrels so I especially enjoy GTS, Bookers, and Noahs Mill. Though, it's sad to say, my enjoyment of bourbon still pales to how much I like scotch (I know, no one's perfect). One thing I do love is to collect bottles, though the next best thing for me is opening those same bottles with friends. At this point my "bunker" is quite small compared to those here I'm sure but I have managed to round up some fun ones. For scotch I have a 25 year Talisker, Balvenie Tun 1401 batch 3, Balvenie 17 year rum cask, and Glenfiddich Snow Phoenix, among many others. For bourbon I have this years GTS and THH, last years ORVW 10/90, 12, this years PVW 15 and 20, Jefferson 17 year PS (batch 2), and the Four Roses small batch 2012 edition (bought that from the distillery on a whim).

So, all that being said I love my whiskeys, almost as much as I love learning about them. I look forward to many hours reading and posting here with an emphasis on the former while I learn about all those undiscovered gems out there waiting for me to taste. However, I do want to leave everyone with this... I am NOT a flipper and never will be so don't worry about that! However I do love to be my friends "whiskey mule" so I have been known to bring back extra bottles of something special to use as gifts. I was lucky enough to bring back 4 bottles of GTS this year, 2 of which ended up with good friends.

12-10-2012, 09:48

ChainWhip

"sup yo" from Seattle (well, a few miles east of Seattle)

Welcome! I live in the Eastside as well - looking forward to reading your thoughts & experiences here. I almost went to the SMWS extravaganza this year but had a schedule conflict that night :-(. Maybe next year...

There's a Bourbon Bash in March coming up in Bellevue - I hope to make that.

12-10-2012, 10:34

squire

Re: "sup yo" from Seattle (well, a few miles east of Seattle)

Morning Mtn, welcome aboard

12-10-2012, 10:39

MtnDew

Re: "sup yo" from Seattle (well, a few miles east of Seattle)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChainWhip

Welcome! I live in the Eastside as well - looking forward to reading your thoughts & experiences here. I almost went to the SMWS extravaganza this year but had a schedule conflict that night :-(. Maybe next year...

There's a Bourbon Bash in March coming up in Bellevue - I hope to make that.

Oh, a bourbon bash sounds like fun, I'll have to check that out assuming I'm in town at the time.

If your in the eastside then you must have gone to Flat Iron in Issaquah, that's the place I tried GTS and PVW 15 year for the first time as they typically have quite a few nice bourbons in stock. If you have not been there here is their whiskey list, though many special releases are not included on the list and you just have to ask to see if they have a bottle. http://www.theflatirongrill.com/whiskey-library/

12-10-2012, 10:42

MtnDew

Re: "sup yo" from Seattle (well, a few miles east of Seattle)

Quote:

Originally Posted by squire

Morning Mtn, welcome aboard

Thanks for the greeting! MtnDew is the name I typically run with on forums, something to do with my passion for Mountain Dew, even after all these years. You would think something so sweet and off color would grow less appealing with age but it has only become more desirable. And yes, I have mixed it with bourbon and it's quite good :cool:

12-10-2012, 11:10

ChainWhip

"sup yo" from Seattle (well, a few miles east of Seattle)

I typically head over to Lot.3 or Seattle for bars but thx for the heads up on FlatIron - I will have to head there one of these days after my Mtb rides.

12-10-2012, 13:03

MtnDew

Re: "sup yo" from Seattle (well, a few miles east of Seattle)

Oddly enough I have never heard of Lot 3 but I don't go out a lot, my wife and I tend to be home bodies. I have been to Liberty and had some great Japanese whiskeys there but never lot 3. Time for a new adventure...

12-10-2012, 13:57

ChainWhip

"sup yo" from Seattle (well, a few miles east of Seattle)

Lot No.3 is great because they do 1/2 shots so you can try a bunch of stuff easily.

Seattle side: Liberty, ZigZag, Canon (great if you have an expense account - pricey but probably the most extensive whisky list in the country).

SnoHo: Fred's Rivertown Alehouse

12-10-2012, 15:00

nivto

Re: "sup yo" from Seattle (well, a few miles east of Seattle)

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChainWhip

ZigZag

Best drinks I've had in Seattle.

12-11-2012, 07:11

unclebunk

Re: "sup yo" from Seattle (well, a few miles east of Seattle)

Quote:

Originally Posted by MtnDew

You would think something so sweet and off color would grow less appealing with age but it has only become more desirable.

Kinda like my wife!:lol:
Welcome to SB and no need to apologize for being a switch hitter. There are lots of us single malt scotch/bourbon characters here and all we need is more time to drink them both. It's all good!